6 Easy Kitchen Updates You Should Try

6 Easy Kitchen Updates You Should Try

If your kitchen is looking outdated but you don’t want to do a complete remodel—try some low key kitchen updates instead. Rather than renovating everything and starting from scratch, sometimes it’s best to start with what you already have, and think through the way your kitchen was made while touching it up here and there. If you’re trying to sell your home and want to freshen things up a bit, the kitchen is the perfect place to start, as it is often the first or second place people walk into, and the most used room in the house.

Here are six ways to update your kitchen without breaking the bank or halting your entire life for a long period of time.

• Add a backsplash
• Paint your cabinets
• Add a kitchen island
• Add new countertops
• Upgrade appliances
• New flooring

Add a backsplash

Let’s be real—cooking is messy. There are so many ways to stain or mess up walls and other surfaces that aren’t easy to clean. Not only that, the high levels of moisture and build up can cause damage to sensitive surfaces. 

Implementing a tile backsplash can create a safe zone for splashing that is easy to wipe clean. There are plenty of fun and colorful backsplash options to choose from like subway tile, shiplap, patterned tile, 2-way tile, wallpaper and mosaic tile. Giving your cooking area a backsplash is an easy kitchen update to make it visually appealing while keeping things clean. 

Easy kitchen update: paint your cabinets

Old and outdated cabinets are truly an eye-sore, but with a simple paint job, they can change the whole look of your kitchen. Wood stains are an elegant choice, but after a while they can start to look old fashioned. Paint over your outdated cabinets with a bright white or neutral color for a sophisticated look. You can also add new fixtures to your cabinets that add contrast and character. 

Add a kitchen island

Having space to make a meal is a huge factor when cooking. While countertops and slabs are adequate spaces, a kitchen island changes the whole cooking game. It provides an isolated workspace, like a blank canvas for your meal prep. 

More than that, you can even add seating to your island to provide an extra eating space for hosting or large families. An island can also serve as an extra storage space with drawers and cabinets for quick access. 

If you’re thinking “I don’t have enough space for an island,” it might be time to rethink your kitchen space. What if you took down a whole wall and opened things up a bit? A kitchen that overlooks the living room will foster more connection with family and loved ones. 

Add new countertops 

If you’re looking for easy kitchen updates to do without remodeling your entire home, new countertops are a worthwhile investment. Countertops are the fastest places for germs to spread and damage to happen in the kitchen. While granite and marble countertops are beautiful and sturdy, they can easily get chipped or cracked. 

If you want to upgrade your countertops, consider getting Quartz instead. Quartz is the strongest natural mineral on earth, proving to be nonporous, stain resistant and easy to clean. No sealants, conditioning or polishing is required when installing Quartz countertops. 

Upgrade appliances

Increase the functionality of your home with new, energy efficient appliances. A popular new appliance on the rise is a steam oven. Compared to a conventional oven, this new oven uses steam to cook food rather than hot air. The method is proven to be healthier and cleaner overall. 

Another popular trend is appliances that require touch rather than knobs and buttons. Jumping to the next level are touchless faucets—a trend started with the rise in awareness of germs. Fridges are always complicated and can create a giant awkward disruption in a kitchen. Consider getting something sleek to create a seamless and modern look. 

Easy kitchen update: new flooring

If you’re looking for a major update in the kitchen, consider getting new floors! There are several different options for flooring depending on your style and how many little ones or pets you have running around. Porcelain tiles are always a favorite, it comes in tons of colors and textures and is more durable than ceramic tile. 

If you really want wood, there are solid wood options or engineered wood. Engineered wood might be a more affordable option, made of a high-quality plywood core with a thin layer of hardwood flooring on top.

A great option for high traffic areas or large families with animals is vinyl plank flooring. Vinyl plank is 100% waterproof, easy to install, and many styles are very scratch-resistant. This type of flooring is rising in popularity as it looks like luxury wood but is practical and function for everyday life. 

Let Luxe Renovation help with kitchen updates

Whether you’re looking to completely transform your kitchen or give it a few new updates, Luxe Renovation can make your kitchen dreams a reality. With over 100 years of experience and over 200 skilled tradesmen—we’ll make sure your projects are completed on time, within budget, and with the highest quality materials. 

Looking for more ideas and advice on home renovations, remodeling and updates? Check out the Luxe Renovation blog for more articles like this.